2,4-Dioxo-4-substituted-1-butanoic acid derivatives useful in treating urinary tract calcium oxalate lithiasis

Abstract

2,4-Dioxo-4-substituted-1-butanoic acid derivatives of the formula: <IMAGE> (I) where R is hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl; and L is a lipophilic group consisting essentially of (1) <IMAGE> where R' is (a) hydrogen; (b) C1-3 alkyl; (c) benzyl; (d) pyridyl C1-3 alkyl; or (e) (3,4-dihydro-3-hydroxy-2H-1,5-benzodioxepin-3-yl) methyl; provided that positions 2 and 6 of the substituted phenyl moiety may not be substituted; or (2) <IMAGE> where R' has the same meaning as above; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; useful in treating urinary tract, especially renal calcium oxalate lithiasis.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A compound of the formula: ##STR15## where R is hydrogen or C 1-4  alkyl; and L is a lipophilic group having the structure: (1) ##STR16##  where R' is pyridyl C 1-3  alkyl; or (2) ##STR17##  where R' has the same meaning as above; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.     
     
     
       2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein the compound is 4-[[4'-[2-(4-pyridinylethyl)thio]-1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]-2,4-dioxo-1-butanoic acid. 
     
     
       3. A method of treating or preventing the formation of calcium oxalate urinary tract lithiasis, especially kidney or bladder stones, which comprises administering to a patient with, or prone to, such disease a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the formula: ##STR18## where R is hydrogen or C 1-4  alkyl; and L is a lipophilic group having the structure: (1) ##STR19##  where R' is pyridyl C 1-3  alkyl; or (2) ##STR20##  where R' has the same meaning as above; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.     
     
     
       4. A pharmaceutical composition for use in treating or preventing the formation of calcium oxalate urinary tract lithiasis, especially kidney or bladder stones, comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the formula: ##STR21## where R is hydrogen or C 1-4  alkyl; and L is a lipophilic group having the structure: (1) ##STR22##  where R' is pyridyl C 1-3  alkyl; or (2) ##STR23##  where R' has the same meaning as above; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.